2010-11 College Basketball Freshmen: Top 10 First-Year Phenoms
Many college coaches are excited if their freshmen simply contribute in their first seasons.
Those same coaches are absolutely ecstatic if their freshmen can arrive and thrive right off the bat.
The following 10 first-year phenoms are making a big impact in the early season.
These rising stars are leading their teams both in stats and in influence and are making a difference in how their teams are faring so far in 2010-11.
10. Harrison Barnes
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It's hard to live up to the enormous hype that surrounded Harrison Barnes as he started this season in Chapel Hill.
He was the first freshman selection to the preseason AP All-America team since 1986-87.
To do anything other than dominate the college hoops landscape was going to look substandard and unacceptable.
Barnes has been very good in his first nine collegiate games, averaging 11 points and six rebounds per game.
His production is key to North Carolina's success. When he has struggled (single-digit scoring against Minnesota and Illinois), the Tar Heels have lost.
9. Tristan Thompson
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This 6'8", 230-lb. man-child is making his presence known deep in the heart of Texas.
Thompson is averaging a solid 11 points and seven rebounds in Texas' early games.
His performance of 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and five blocks led the Longhorns to victory against the then-No.16-ranked Fighting Illini of Illinois.
When Texas starts its conference schedule, Thompson will be a big reason why the Longhorns will be battling for the Big 12 title.
8. Will Barton
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Memphis' second-year head coach Josh Pastner knew that he had a special player when Will Barton committed to come play for the Tigers.
Even though Barton already had three 20-point performances in the early season, his 17-point, seven-rebound show against the Kansas Jayhawks was college basketball's true introduction to this special perimeter player from Baltimore.
Barton's continued high-level production will determine the Tigers' season success.
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7. Doron Lamb
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Doron Lamb is one of the best freshman players in the country. The odd thing is that he is the No. 3 freshman scorer ON HIS TEAM.
Lamb is an exceptional shooter. On the season, he is nearly hitting 50 percent of his shots from beyond the arc.
Averaging 12 points per game, Lamb already has three games where he has made at least three three-pointers.
The saying "gentle as a lamb" has been destroyed by this "tough as nails" scorer.
6. Perry Jones
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Perry Jones decided that staying close to his Duncanville, Texas home was the best decision for him as he pursued his college basketball career.
He never had any arguments from Baylor head coach Scott Drew (pictured).
Jones, 6'10" and 220 lbs., plays a huge role on a veteran Bears ball club that made a deep run in last year's NCAA Tournament.
He is third in scoring (12.4 ppg) and second in rebounds (nine rpg).
While Jones doesn't have to carry the AP No.10-ranked Baylor Bears, he is going to be key to their success in the Big 12 and in the NCAA Tournament.
5. Brandon Knight
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Brandon Knight came out of high school thought of as the nation's top prep point guard.
He has had no trouble whatsoever making the transition to big-time college basketball, thriving as one of Kentucky's terrific trio of freshman phenoms.
As the point guard, Knight triggers the Wildcats' dynamic attack. But, he also is scoring a savory 17 points per game.
Knight led the way by scoring 24 points against then-No.11 Washington in Maui.
4. Tobias Harris
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Tobias Harris is one of the elite-level players in the 2010 freshman class and is a big reason that Tennessee is off to such a great start.
Harris leads the high-flying Volunteers in scoring (16.7 ppg) and is second in rebounding (5.8).
This smooth combo-forward has demonstrated that he can score in the paint or beyond the arc (6-of-8 from three-point).
3. Kyrie Irving
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Even though his playing status because of injury is still undetermined, Kyrie Irving still has earned his way onto this list of freshman phenoms.
When he injured his toe, Irving was tied for the scoring lead (17 ppg) for the top-ranked Blue Devils, and he was handing out five assists per game.
His floor leadership on Duke's experienced, defending championship team was undeniable. He helped backcourt mate Nolan Smith elevate his game.
Irving and the Blue Devils are considering a variety of options in terms of this rising star's injury rehab. Unless you are a Duke hater, you have to be hoping for Irving's speedy return to the court.
2. Jared Sullinger
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Jared Sullinger may wear "0" for a jersey number, but his performance so far has amounted to a whole lot more than nothing.
Sullinger, at 6'9", 280 lbs., is a flat-out force in the middle of the talented Ohio State Buckeye lineup.
Averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game, Sullinger has already piled up four double-doubles early in his college career.
Last night, Sullinger rang up an impressive 40-point, 13-rebound extravaganza against overmatched IUPUI.
Watch out for Sullinger and the Buckeyes in Houston at this year's Final Four. They could be playing for all the marbles on Monday night.
1. Terrence Jones
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Terrence Jones is the top player so far among the 2010 freshman class.
Other than one pedestrian performance against North Carolina, Jones has delivered the goods.
He leads the Kentucky Wildcats' talented team in scoring (20 ppg) and rebounding (10.5). More than mere stats, Jones is the heart and passion of this team.
He runs the floor like a guard but attacks the boards as one of the best inside players in the country.
He even does his part in setting up his teammates, averaging two assists per game.
If Jones keeps this up, he will not only be the favorite to win freshman of the year honors but will also be a strong candidate for first team All-American.
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